‘We’re closely monitoring the situation’

The United States said on Monday it was "closely monitoring" developments in Bangladesh leading up to the elections.

"It's important for free and fair elections that all stakeholders are able to participate peacefully," Spokesperson at the US Department of State Mathew Miller told reporters during a regular briefing in Washington yesterday.

That includes government officials, law enforcement, political parties, the Election Commission, the media, and, of course, voters themselves, he said.

"And we will continue to call on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," said the State Department spokesperson.

On Sunday, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas referred to the importance of "peaceful demonstrations" and "interference-free" participation in the political process during his meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at the Secretariat.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party only plans to hold a grand rally in Dhaka on October 28 and that they do not intend to sit on the streets, while Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said Dhaka's streets will be under Awami League's control on that day.

Regarding the situation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman said on Saturday that DMP would take decisive action against anyone attempting to incite violence during BNP's rally on October 28.

US Spokesperson Miller said under the Vienna Convention, Bangladesh has an obligation to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic mission premises and personnel.

The US values its relationship with Bangladesh, he said, adding, "We expect the government will take all appropriate actions to maintain the safety and security of all US missions and diplomatic personnel in the country."